The profession of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Australia is a challenging and rewarding career.  Depending on the nature of your studies you may qualify as an acupuncturist, a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, or both.

In Australia, qualified TCM practitioners are primary health care professionals.  Most practitioners operate in private practice, however there are increasing numbers working from community health centres and hospitals, or engaged in academic and clinical research.

Qualified practitioners are educated in TCM theory, diagnosis and clinical assessment as well as the Western bio-medical sciences.  Depending on the TCM major(s) undertaken, they are professionally trained to use acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines to safely and effectively treat the wide range of health conditions seen in TCM general practice today. Students may also undertake studies in TCM remedial massage as an adjunct to their practice.

Practitioners accredited in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine with the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd (AACMA) must first pass our stringent entry requirements and are bound by a professional Code of Ethics and contemporary standards of health care practice.

The Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd recognises graduates of established four to five year Australian bachelor degree programs in acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine and some sub-degree programs that are currently applying for bachelor degree level accreditation or for articulation with a recognised bachelor degree program.

Graduates of non-recognised programs may be admitted to membership subject to providing evidence of having completed a comparable standard of education and training.  Some applicants may be required to undergo a clinical assessment and others may also be required to successfully pass a written examination.

AACMA does not recognise graduates of primary qualifying TCM programs undertaken by correspondence or distance education mode, nor does AACMA recognise graduates of short courses.

Click here for a copy of our Recognised Course List.

Click here for information on joining AACMA as a Student Member.

Click here for information on joining AACMA as a Member (practitioner membership).